Convertible activity backpack

ABSTRACT

A convertible activity backpack can include a shoulder harness, at least one storage compartment for storing items, and an activity platform. The convertible activity backpack can be configured in an on-back state and in an activity state. When in the on-back state, the convertible activity backpack can be designed to be worn over at least one shoulder with the at least one storage compartment positioned on a back of a wearer and the activity platform is hidden. When configured in the activity state, the convertible activity backpack is designed to be supported and the activity platform exposed so that the activity platform is usable as a supporting surface that is approximately horizontal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of backpacks and carry-bags,and, more particularly, to a convertible activity backpack.

Parents with young children often find themselves carrying a lot ofitems. These items allow children to engage in entertaining activitieswhen they choose to do so, regardless of the environment and can includea number of school related necessities, such as pens, books, andfolders, as well as exclusively activity geared items that can includecoloring books, card games and board games. For younger children ortoddlers, necessary items to be packed can include typical diaper bagitems, change of clothes, formula, etc. Further, electronic gadgets suchas MP3 players, portable DVD players, and portable electronic gamingsystems/devices, are also often taken along when traveling. A caveat tothe ease of transportation of these items is that these electronicdevices introduce a need for proper storage to ensure that the device'sscreens do not incur damage during transportation.

Most conventional backpacks have few compartments that are rigid or evenstrategically accessible. This can lead to an individual losingoversight of the items being carried and leads to a lot of “rummagingaround” when looking for something specific. As such, carrying a largevariety of items and keeping them organized often proves to be achallenging task; especially challenging for parents attempting tojuggle the transport and care of multiple children and their respectiveactivities.

Another problem arises when an individual wishes to utilize any of theitems carried along for entertainment in a less than optimalenvironment. These environments are typically the backseat of a car, aseat on a train or an airplane and any other area that does not alloweasy access to a flat surface to be used as an activity platform. Itemsare commonly lost and/or damaged due somewhat to ad hoc or haphazarditem organization.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the disclosure includes a convertible activity backpackhaving a shoulder harness, at least one storage compartment for storingitems, and an activity platform. The convertible activity backpack canbe configured in an on-back state and in an activity state. When in theon-back state, the convertible activity backpack can be designed to beworn over at least one shoulder with the at least one storagecompartment positioned on a back of a wearer and the activity platformis hidden. When configured in the activity state, the convertibleactivity backpack is designed to be supported and the activity platformexposed so that the activity platform is usable as a supporting surfacethat is approximately horizontal.

Another aspect of the disclosure includes a backpack having a shoulderharness, a central storage compartment, and an activity platformcompartment. The shoulder harness can be configured to secure thebackpack over shoulders of a wearer. The central storage compartment canstore items. The activity platform compartment can store an activityplatform having an open and closed position. The activity platform canbe contained in the activity platform compartment when in the closedposition. The activity platform can be approximately horizontal when inthe open position. When in the open position the activity platform isable to function as a horizontal support surface for objects.

Still another aspect of the disclosure is a method for adjusting aconfigurable activity backpack. In the method, backpack having a hiddenactivity platform can be identified. The backpack can be coupled to aseatback of a vehicle. The previously hidden activity platform can beexposed. After the coupling and when the activity platform is exposed,an approximately horizontal surface for a seated human can be formed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a convertible activity backpack inaccordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosedherein.

FIG. 2 shows a flow chart of a method for adjusting the convertiblebackpack from one state to another in accordance with an embodiment ofthe inventive arrangements disclosure herein.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of an embodiment of a convertible activitybackpack in accordance with the inventive arrangements disclosureherein.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of an embodiment of a convertible activitybackpack in accordance with the inventive arrangements disclosureherein.

FIG. 5 shows another side view of an embodiment of a convertiblebackpack in accordance with the inventive arrangements disclosureherein.

FIG. 6 shows a rear view of an embodiment of a convertible activitybackpack in accordance with the inventive arrangements disclosureherein.

FIG. 7 shows a top view of one embodiment of the convertible activitybackpack in accordance with the inventive arrangements disclosureherein.

FIG. 8 shows a supported view of the convertible activity backpack beingattached to a seat back in accordance with the inventive arrangementsdisclosure herein.

FIG. 9 shows a set of possible embodiments for an activity-to-fixturecoupler element in accordance with the inventive arrangement disclosedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure describes a backpack which can be configured as anactivity station with minimal conversion time. For example, a backpack,which a child or adult can carry, can be attached to support structure,such as a back of a seat. When so positioned, an activity platform canfold down from the backpack, which can be used as a desktop for one ormore engaging activities. Other compartments of the backpack can beaccessed, which provide activity spaces for storing items to be usedwith the activity platform. For instance, activity spaces can includeart supplies, which a user can utilize for art projects positioned onthe platform. Portability, ease of use, ease of organization, and aminimization of transported artifacts are just a few of the advantagesachieved by the configurable activity station/backpack.

One contemplated use case is for parents of young children to utilizethe activity backpack to minimize hassles involved in child transportand care. This can be especially useful for caregivers of multiplechildren, each having different entertainment and other needs.Child-specific items can be placed in a backpack, which a child cancarry, and can quickly be configured for a child's use as an activitystation during transport.

Another contemplated use is for students or business people, who canutilize the activity station as a portable desk space attachable at willto a support structure. For example, the activity station can form akeyboard platform for touch typing on a screen visible when the backpackis in an activity state. In one embodiment, a portable supportstructure, such as legs extending from the bottom of the backpack canpermit the backpack to be self-supporting when in an activity state.Thus, so long as a chair is available, a user can utilize the backpackas a portable workspace/activity center. The above configurations arejust two of many contemplated ones for the convertible activity backpackand a scope of the disclosure is not to be construed as limited in thisregard.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the present inventionmay be embodied as a device, a device add-on, or a set of distinct, yetattachable components that together perform the functions described fora convertible activity backpack. Thus, a bifurcation of the activitybackpack into two linkable components, one providing basic backpackfunctions the other providing activity station functions which areseparately marketed and sold, are to each individually and collectivelyto be considered within scope of the present disclosure. Further,enhancements to a base unit, such as a self-supporting stand for aconvertible activity backpack or a roll attachment for a convertibleactivity backpack are to be considered within scope of the disclosurealthough each is individually distinct from the base unit.

The disclosure is described below with reference to flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) andthe like according to embodiments of the invention. It will beunderstood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or blockdiagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrationsand/or block diagrams are for illustrative purposes only. Functionsnoted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. Forexample, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executedsubstantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed inthe reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. Further,additional steps and/or components can be added to those shown or one ormore components or steps expressed herein may be omitted, yet still beconsidered within scope of the disclosed and claimed convertibleactivity backpack described herein.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a convertible activity backpack 110 inaccordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosedherein. The backpack 110 (also referred to as a rucksack, knapsack,packsack, pack, or Bergen) can be a portable container designed to becarried by a single, mobile individual. The backpack 110 can be createdusing any of a variety of materials, including fabric weaves, leather,synthetic cloth, molded plastic, etc. The backpack 110 design can beframeless, can include an internal frame (e.g., support backboard 115),or can be designed for an external frame.

In one configuration, the backpack 110 can be worn on one's back, whichis shown by on-back state 180. Different configurations are contemplatedfor state 180. For example, the backpack 110 can be carried on one'sback and secured with two straps (e.g., shoulder harness 120) that goover the shoulders or can be designed to be worn using one shoulderstrap. Optionally, backpack 110 can be carried in a hand using ahand-carrying strap. The backpack 110 in state 180 can be usedadvantageously to carry relatively heavy loads (compared to handbags)for long periods of time without encumbering a user's hands.

In one configuration, the backpack 110 can include optional padded hipbelts, which can be advantageous for heavy loads, as the hips arestronger than shoulders. An optional use of hip belts can increaseagility and balance, since a load rides nearer a users own center ofmass. When hip belts are included, shoulder straps can be used mainlyfor stabilizing a load, as opposed to supporting a substantial portionof the load.

In another configuration, the backpack 110 can be placed in an activitystate 190. In the activity state 190, an activity platform 145 can beexposed, which a user can utilize as a support. In the activity state190, the backpack 110 can be coupled to a support structure, such as achair back. In one embodiment, the backpack 110 can include aself-support structure, designed to support the weight of the backpack110 at a configurable height (i.e., a sitting height, for example, for aseated user). In such an embodiment, extensible and lockable legs can beincluded in the body of the backpack 110. In another embodiment, thebackpack 110 can be designed to be stable when placed on a horizontalsurface, such as a table, when in state 190. Zero or more compartmentscan unfold in a user facing and accessible fashion, when the backpack110 is in activity state 190. For example, side compartments 160 canoptionally reverse zip, so that they can expose activity spaces 155,which a user can easily access from state 190.

Other optional configuration states can exist for the backpack 110, suchas roll state 185, which shows an extensible handle and wheels beingincluded within/attached to backpack 110, which enable the backpack 110to be pulled (as opposed to being worn over a shoulder—shown as state180) should a user so desire.

Additionally, backpack 110 can include numerous detachable compartments170, which can be used to situationally increase storage capacity. Forexample, a lunchbox attachment, a bottom compartment attachment 165, andadditional expansion compartments 170 can be included for backpack 110.Use of detachable compartments can increase a versatility of thebackpack 110. For example, a mother can pack a lunchbox, place thelunchbox in a refrigerator, and optionally attach this lunchbox to thebackpack 110 when needed. Similarly, another expansion compartment 170can include diapers, formula, and/or a change of clothes for an infantor toddler. Thus, a caregiver of young children can keep one or morechild-specific expansion packs ready and accessible for quick use. Theseexpansion packs can be attached to an adults and/or an older child'sbackpack 110, which can expedite voyages involving young children.Similarly, a student can use different detachable compartments 170 tohold paraphernalia specific to different classes, which can beattached/detached as needed.

Backpack 110 options and compartments can include support backboard 115,shoulder harness 120, extensible handle 125, wheels 130,activity-to-fixture coupler 135, fixture leveler 140, activity platform145, platform support 150, activity spaces 155, side compartments 160,bottom storage compartments 165, one or more expansion compartments 170,and/or other such components.

Support backboard 115's function can be to evenly distribute backpack110's weight across the users back when worn in the on-back state 180.That is, the backboard 115 can be an internal frame. In one embodiment,support elements can double in function to add rigidity and supportstrength to the activity platform 145, when in an activity state 190 aswell as a protective compartment to protect sensitive equipment, such aselectronic games, LCD screens, and the like, which can be exposed whenin activity state 190. Support backboard 115 can be implemented in anumber of ways including but not limited to taking the form of a singlesheet of rigid material spanning the entirety of the back surface ofbackpack 110, or several beams of rigid material strategically placed todistribute backpack 110's weight. In one embodiment, the aforementionedsupport beams can also retract and fold for easier and more compactstorage of a backpack 110 if desired. In another embodiment, the supportbeams can be detachable from the backpack 110 and/or can be external tothe backpack 110. The rigid material of support backboard 115 can becovered with additional fabric or padding for maximized comfort of theuser in the on-back state 180. Cover fabric options can include but arenot limited to, for instance, mesh fabrics, gel filled fabrics and foamfilled fabrics that can conform to a user's back.

Shoulder harness 120 can be strategically attached to backpack 110 toallow the user to securely wear backpack 110 in on-shoulder state 180. Ashoulder harness 120 can be constructed of durable fabric and canincorporate, but is not limited to, shape-conforming padded materials tofurther distribute the weight of a backpack 110 across a user'sshoulders in an on-back state 180. In one embodiment a shoulder harness120 can feature clasps that allow the harness to unhinge from its bottomfixture on a backpack 110 and be utilized as an activity-to-fixturecoupler 135. In such an embodiment, the shoulder harness 120, can bereferred to as including detachable shoulder straps, able to bepositioned over a vehicle seat and under a headrest to permit thebackpack 110 to be affixed to a back of a vehicle seat.

Extendable handle 125 and wheels 130 can be optional components used toachieve roll state 185. In one embodiment, extendable handle 125 canretract into a specialized compartment behind support backboard 115 whennot in use, and be securely locked into place with a mechanism thatincludes but is not limited to a mechanical spring locking. By the sameprocess, extendable handle 125 can be adjusted to custom selected heightlevels. In another embodiment, extendable handle 125 can be detachedfrom backpack 110 and stored in a separate location if desired.

The wheels 130 can be positioned at various locations of backpack 110 tofacilitate use of the carry bag in roll state 185. That is, wheels 130can be attached to positions that include but are not limited to all 4corner points of backpack 110's bottom base as indicated in roll state185 or solely two corners at same side of the backpack as extendablehandle to allow for proper rolling of the bag. In one embodiment, wheels130 can retract into designated special compartments on backpack 110. Inanother embodiment, wheels 130 can be detached and stored in a separatelocation when not in use.

The activity-to-fixture coupler 135 can be a mechanism that permits thebackpack 110 to couple to a support object when in activity state 190.The support object can include a chair back, a table, a wall, and thelike. Coupler 135 can utilize any of a variety of fastening mechanismincluding, but not limited to, button snaps, magnetic couplers,hook-and-loop (e.g., VELCRO) fasteners, zip fasteners, slide basedcoupling mechanism, gravity supported hooks, and the like. Further, aspreviously mentioned, in one embodiment, one or more straps (used asshoulder straps in the on-back state 180) can be used as a coupler 135(when in an activity state 190).

Fixture leveler 140 can be a component that adjusts a position and/orangle of the backpack 110 relative to a user, when the backpack 110 isin the activity state 190. The angle adjustments of leveler 140 can, forexample, ensure that when backpack 110 is used in activity state 190,backpack 110 remains approximately (e.g., ±15 degrees) perpendicular tothe plane of gravity. In one embodiment, the leveler 140 can adjust avertical position of the backpack 190 relative to a user.

One embodiment of fixture leveler 140 can be automatically or manuallyretracting and extending pegs that hold backpack 110 in a level positionwhen the fixture that backpack 110 is coupled to is not perpendicular tothe center of gravity. That is to say, when for example, backpack 110 isattached to a reclined car seat, fixture leveler 140 adjusts to negatefor the fact that the fixture is at an angle so that backpack 110'sactivity platform remains orthogonal to the user's body when in use.Mechanically, this can be performed by having screw-able extensions on abottom most portion of the backpack, which can horizontally offset thebackpack from a support. Thus, when attached to a seatback, leveler 140can be extended when that seat is reclined and retracted when the seatsupporting the backpack 110 (in state 190) is upright.

Activity platform 145 can be a rigid or semi-rigid component of backpack110 that folds out when in state 190. Additional support for platform145 can be provided by support 150, if desired for a specificimplementation. Platform 145 can be approximately parallel to a user'sback, when backpack 110 is in the on-back state 180. A fastener (zipper,button, hook-and-loop fastener, etc) can be used to ensure the platform145 is safely retracted or hidden when in state 180.

Activity spaces 155 can be storage compartments located inside abackpack 110 or one of backpack 110's compartments to facilitate storageand easy access of various items. Activity spaces 155 can be in the formof storage spaces including but not limited to stretch compartments,elastic loops for pens and the like, clear pockets for easy visibilityof stored items such as identification cards, In-case-of-emergency cardsand keys. Activity spaces can be optionally exposed when in state 190.

Reverse zip side compartments 160 are large compartments that can runthe entire side of a backpack 110 and can include zero or more activityspaces 155. In one embodiment, a unique reverse zip nature of sidecompartments 160 allow them to be easily accessible and used even when abackpack 110 is in an activity state 190. Snaps, hook-and-loopfasteners, and the like can be utilized in place of a zipper to similareffect. Additionally, in one embodiment, additional top and/or bottomcompartments can expose activity-specific objects for use, when backpack110 is in state 190.

Bottom Storage compartment 165 can be a relatively large compartment ofa backpack 110 that further facilitates easy organization of multipleitems. Bottom Storage compartment 165 can, in one embodiment, be foldedup and zipped away when not in use as an expandable compartment. Inanother embodiment, bottom storage compartment 165 can be a structured,very rigid compartment that is well suited for the storage of electricaldevices such as MP3 players or portable electronic games.

Each expansion compartment 170 can be selectively attached to a backpack110 via mechanisms including but not limited to clips, snaps, zippersand the like. In one embodiment, expansion compartment 170 can beinsulated and water tight to allow a user to keep items cool such asvarious food items and medications by adding ice packs to the inside ofan expansion compartment 170 or taking the expansion compartment 170directly from the refrigerator.

FIG. 2 shows a flow chart of a method 200 for adjusting the convertiblebackpack from one state to another in accordance with an embodiment ofthe inventive arrangements disclosure herein. Method 200 can beperformed using backpack 110 of FIG. 1.

The method can begin in an on-back configuration, where the backpack isbeing adjusted to an activity station state. In step 205, a user cancouple the backpack to fixture in one embodiment. When coupled to thesupport (e.g., a seat back), the back support of a backpack can beapproximately parallel to a surface of support, assuming the supportpossesses an approximately vertical surface (e.g., a wall, a seat backin an upright position, etc). In another embodiment (not shown in method200), the user can place the backpack in a self-supportingconfiguration.

In step 210, an angle of the backpack relative to the supporting fixturecan be optionally adjusted to a desired position. This adjustment canutilize any type of fixture leveler (e.g., item 140 of FIG. 1). Forexample, if a supporting fixture is a reclined seat having a thirtydegree angle, the fixture lever can offset the backpack by approximatelythirty degrees. A desired adjustment can depend upon activity stationuse, and sometimes a user may prefer that an activity platform be at anangle relative to a horizontal plane. In step 215, a user can unfold anactivity platform of the backpack. This unfolding can require theplatform be unzipped, unsnapped, or otherwise released. In optional step220, additional adjustments can be made to the supported backpack. Forexample, in one implementation, the user can make vertical adjustmentsto adjust the activity platform to a desired height, such as acomfortable height for a seated human.

In step 225, side compartments and/or activity spaces can be exposed foruse. For example, sides of the backpack can include reverse zipperedcompartments being hinged against the supporting fixture so they openoutwardly. When open, various activity spaces, pens, speakers, games,etc. can be within reach of a user. The activity center can be utilizedin accordance with user desires, as shown by step 230.

Once this usage is complete, compartments, activity spaces, the activityplatform, and the like can be re-secured. In step 240, the backpack canbe decoupled from the fixture. In step 245, the detached backpack can beused in a different manner, such as being used as in an on-backconfiguration or a roll configuration as a portable storage container.For example, a user can utilize a shoulder harness to use wear thebackpack over his/her shoulder, as shown by step 250. In anotherexample, also shown by step 250, an optional handle and wheels can beextracted from the convertible backpack, which can thereafter be rolled.

One specific embodiment of a convertible activity backpack is expressedin FIGS. 3-8. It should be appreciated that options shown can vary fromimplementation-to-implementation and that the scope of the contemplatedbackpack is not to be construed as limited to specifics of FIGS. 3-8.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of an embodiment of a convertible activitybackpack. As shown, the backpack can include a large main compartment305 and side compartments 310 and 315. Each side compartment 310, 315,can be relatively large, reverse zip compartments that take up theentirety of both the right and left side of the backpack. A rearcompartment 330 can fold downward to expose an otherwise hidden activityplatform. When the activity platform is shown, the side compartments310, 315 can unzip so that contents stored in them are easily accessibleby a user facing the folded activity platform. The backpack can includea set of shoulder straps 335, which can be used when the backpack ispositioned over a user's shoulders. In one embodiment, the straps 335can also be used to secure the backpack to a supporting fixture (e.g., aseatback) when the backpack is used as an activity center.

The backpack can include zero or more expansion compartments 320, 340,each detachable from the main backpack. In one embodiment, expansioncompartment 320 can be specially designed to function as a lunchbox.Bottom compartment 325 and expansion compartment 340 can be compartmentsthat span the entire bottom of the backpack. One contemplated use of anexpansion compartment 340 is to contain one or more spare sets ofclothes, diapers, etc.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of an embodiment of a convertible activitybackpack. A side compartment 410 can be unzipped on the backpack 400,which reveals activity spaces 415. Each activity space 415 can be a subcompartment for holding items. Bottom compartment 420 and shoulder strap425 are also shown. It should be noted that the interior material 430and exterior material 435 of the backpack need not be the same. Forexample, inside material 430 can be flexible to allow comfortable wearof the backpack in an on-back state whereas outside material 435 can bea more rigid structured material, or vice versa.

FIG. 5 shows another side view of an embodiment of a convertiblebackpack. Activity space 515 is pictured within side compartment 510, asincluding elastic loops for pens, and the like. Bottom compartment 520,fold down rear compartment 525 and shoulder strap 530 are pointed out asreference points.

FIG. 6 shows a rear view of an embodiment of a convertible activitybackpack. In this view, an activity platform can be extended 610 foruse. One or more platform supports 615 can help stabilize the platform610. Side compartments 625 are exposed. Multiple activity spaces 620 canbe accessible for use while the platform 610 is extended.

It should be appreciated that different activity spaces 620 andconfiguration options can be implemented depending upon an intended useof the activity station. For example, in one embodiment, the maincompartment can include a computer monitor and a keyboard can be placedon the activity platform 610. A fold down portion of one of the sidecompartments 625 can expose a mouse platform (similar to platform 610),which can house a mouse, trackball, touch-pad, or other pointing device.The opposing portion of one of the fold down side compartments 626 caninclude a microphone, speaker, web camera, optical disks, and the like.

In another configuration, a music player can be contained in an activityspace 620 of the main portion, the side compartments can exposespeakers, and the platform 610 (without support 615) can fold all theway down to display music media compartments. In still another example,the platform 610 can be an art platform, where the activity spacesinclude art supplies. In yet another example, platform 610 can functionas a video or board game platform.

Further, in one embodiment, different removable inserts can exist, whichalter the activity spaces 620 for a particular use. The removableinserts can snap, hook-and-loop fasten, or otherwise attach to thebackpack. Thus, an art enthusiast can configure an activity station toinclude multiple art-related spaces, such as having pen, pencil, crayon,marker specific spaces, paper dispensers, glue sticks, and the like. Astudent can configure the activity spaces to hold a cell-phone, extrabatteries, an MP3 player, a calendar, a class schedule, homework, andthe like.

Specifics of the activity spaces 620, platform folding 610, and the likecan depend and/or can be adapted for distinct types of activities forwhich that activity backpack implementation is designed.

FIG. 7 shows a top view of one embodiment of the convertible activitybackpack. The activity platform/fold down rear compartment 710 isextended showing platform support 715. The main compartment 720 issituated between the fold down rear compartment 710, the open sidecompartment 725 and the open expansion compartment 730. Due to the factthat the backpack is in a transitional state from backpack to activitycenter, all compartments can be open simultaneously.

FIG. 8 shows a supported view of the convertible activity backpack beingattached to a seat back. As shown, a shoulder harness 810 of thebackpack can function as activity-to-fixture coupler 815, which holdsthe backpack against the back of a seat in a car. The side compartments820 are shown as extended, which exposes activity spaces 825 containingvarious items, such as pens, electronic devices, cards and game pieces,in an orderly fashion. This position allows, for example, a child toengage in entertaining activities while on a trip while at the same timeproviding a method that ensures that fewer items get lost during thetrip and parents can be less distracted while driving.

FIG. 9 shows a set of embodiments for an activity-to-fixture coupler,which couples the activity backpack to a fixture, such as a seatback.

Scenario 910 shows an embodiment where the activity-to-fixture coupleris integrated with the shoulder harness, as shown for example in FIG. 8.The shoulder harness can include two straps, which are detachablyconnected to a bottom portion of the backpack using male/femalebrackets. One strap can have a female bracket, which connects to a maleconnector attached to the bottom of the backpack. The other strap canhave a male connector, which connects to a female bracket attached tothe bottom of the backpack. The two straps (one terminating in a femalebracket and the other in a male connector) can be directly coupled toeach other (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8).

Scenario 920 shows a different implementation, where each backpack strapcan have a same type of end connector. As shown, each strap can end in amale connector, which can attach to a female bracket affixed to a bottomof each side of the backpack. Alternatively, each strap can terminatewith a female bracket, which can connect to a male connector affixed toa bottom of each side of the backpack. Either way, when the two opposingstraps are connected to each other (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8), anintermediate coupler (e.g., male-to-male or female-to-female) is needed.

Scenario 930 shows a coupling mechanism comprising a set of snaps orgrommets. These can be used to snap endpoints of two shoulder straps toa bottom of a backpack in a detachable manner. They can also be used toattach disconnected shoulder straps to each other (e.g., for aconfiguration shown in FIG. 8).

Scenario 940 shows a gravity based coupler for attaching an activitybackpack to a fixture. As shown, adjustable width hooks can be attachedto the backpack top, which can be positioned over a chair back, asillustrated.

Other types of fasting techniques are contemplated for the activity tofixture coupler and the scenarios 910-940 are not be to construed as alimitation of the scope of the disclosure. For example, magneticcoupling, hook-and-loop coupling, zipper based attachments, and the likeare contemplated.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof

The description of the present invention has been presented for purposesof illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

1. A convertible activity backpack comprising: a shoulder harness; at least one storage compartment configured to store items; and an activity platform, wherein said convertible activity backpack is able to be configured in an on-back state and an activity state, wherein when configured in said on-back state the convertible activity backpack is designed to be worn over at least one shoulder with the at least one storage compartment positioned on a back of a wearer and the activity platform is hidden, and wherein when configured in said activity state the convertible activity backpack is designed to be supported and the activity platform exposed so that the activity platform is usable as a supporting surface that is approximately horizontal.
 2. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the at least one storage compartment comprises a central compartment and two side compartments, wherein each of said side compartments comprises at least one activity space, wherein each of said side compartments is configured to open in a user facing direction when the convertible activity backpack is in the activity state so that items stored in the activity space is accessible when the activity platform is exposed.
 3. The backpack of claim 2, wherein each of the two side compartments is attached to the central compartment using a zipper, wherein the zipper unzips along three of four sides of the central compartment, wherein the forth side is a side opposite a back of the wearer when the convertible activity backpack is configured in the on-back state.
 4. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the convertible activity backpack is configured to attach to a seatback of a vehicle when in the activity state.
 5. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the shoulder harness is configured to decouple from a body of the convertible activity backpack, wherein a decoupled shoulder harness is configured to wrap around a head rest of the seatback, where it is re-coupled to support the convertible activity backpack when the backpack is configured in the activity state.
 6. The backpack of claim 2, further comprising: at least one detachable bottom compartments configured to span a bottom area of the backpack when attached.
 7. The backpack of claim 2, further comprising: at least one detachable, insulated, expansion compartment configured to store refrigerate-able items, wherein the expansion compartment, when attached, is attached to a side of the backpack opposite a back of the wearer when the convertible activity backpack is configured in an on back state.
 8. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the convertible activity backpack is configured to remain stable and self supporting when placed on an approximately horizontal surface and when configured in the activity state.
 9. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the activity platform is configured to support a keyboard being used by a touch typist when the activity platform is in the activity state, and wherein a portion of the at least one storage compartment facing a user when the activity platform is exposed is configured to house a flat screen monitor viewable by the touch typist.
 10. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the activity platform is configured to be used as a writing platform when exposed and when the convertible activity platform is in the activity state.
 11. A backpack comprising: shoulder harness configured to secure said backpack over shoulders of a wearer; a central storage compartment configured to store items; and an activity platform compartment configured to store an activity platform having an open and closed position, where the activity platform is contained in the activity platform compartment when in the closed position and is approximately horizontal when in the open position, wherein when in the open position the activity platform is able to function as a horizontal support surface for objects.
 12. The backpack of claim 11, wherein the activity platform is a portion of the backpack facing a back of the wearer when worn over the shoulders of the wearer.
 13. The backpack of claim 12, wherein the activity compartment is zippered along three sides excluding a bottom-most side connecting the activity platform to the central storage compartment.
 14. The backpack of claim 11, further comprising: two side compartments, wherein each of said side compartments attached to the backpack on opposing sides of the central storage compartment, wherein each of the side compartments is configured to open in a user facing direction when the activity platform is in an open position.
 15. The backpack of claim 14, further comprising: a plurality of activity spaces configured to store items in a user accessible manner when the activity platform is in an open position and when the two side compartments are open, wherein each of the two side compartments and the activity platform compartment comprise at least one activity space.
 16. The backpack of claim 11, further comprising: an activity-to-fixture coupler configured to attach the backpack to a seatback of a vehicle so that the activity platform is able to be placed in the open position.
 17. The backpack of claim 16, wherein the activity-to-fixture coupler comprises the shoulder harness.
 18. The backpack of claim 16, further comprising: a fixture leveler configured to adjust an angle of the backpack relative to the seatback when the backpack is attached to the seatback.
 19. A method for adjusting a configurable activity backpack comprising: identifying a backpack having a hidden activity platform; coupling the backpack to a seatback of a vehicle; and exposing the previously hidden activity platform, wherein after the coupling and when exposed the activity platform forms an approximately horizontal surface for a seated human.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: opening two side compartments of the backpack when the activity platform is exposed, wherein when opened, each of the two side compartments comprises activity spaces for storing items, which are accessible to the seated human. 